[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 193 (Monday, November 17, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H4672-H4673]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HIGHLIGHTING CRITICAL INVESTMENTS
(Mrs. Miller-Meeks of Iowa was recognized to address the House for 5
minutes.)
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, speaking of taxes, the tax on the
economy and the detriment to the economy over the Democratic shutdown
over the past 6 weeks makes me delighted to be back here in Congress,
doing the work of Iowa and the American people.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight a critical investment for Iowa
families, the $2.78 million in community project funding I secured for
the Newton YMCA childcare expansion.
This funding will allow the Y to open 50 new childcare slots, giving
working parents in Jasper County the reliability and support they
urgently need.
Access to childcare is not just a family issue. It is a workforce
issue. When parents can't find childcare, they can't work, which hurts
local businesses and the entire economy.
The Newton YMCA is a pillar of its community, and this expansion will
allow it to serve more families, strengthen the workforce, and keep
Newton and Jasper County growing.
I am proud to have secured this funding and will continue fighting
for projects that support families and build a stronger future for
Iowa's First District and Iowa.
Highlighting Community Project Funding
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to highlight the $2 million in
community project funding I secured for Jones Regional Medical Center
in Iowa to build a permanent, state-of-the-art medical simulation lab.
For the past several years, JRMC has trained nurses out of two
temporary trailers. Despite those challenges, their program continues
to produce highly skilled providers who are urgently needed across
Iowa, especially nurses and EMTs.
This funding will create a 1,700-square-foot advanced simulation
center that will allow more students to graduate each year and expand
training for high-demand medical fields.
This investment strengthens Iowa's healthcare workforce, supports our
rural hospitals, and ensures communities across Jones County have
access to trained, qualified healthcare providers.
I am proud to have secured this funding and remain committed to
strengthening healthcare access and workforce training across Iowa.
[[Page H4673]]
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Recognizing Keokuk Area Hospital Project Funding
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the
$825,000 in community project funding I secured to restore critical
healthcare access in Lee County through the Keokuk Area Hospital
project.
Since Keokuk lost its hospital in 2022, residents have faced delays
in emergency and specialty care. No community should be left without
emergency services or forced to travel over an hour for lifesaving
treatment.
This funding will help reopen emergency services and create
outpatient specialty care, closing a major gap in healthcare access and
restoring the safety net that Lee County deserves. The CEO of Insight
said that it was pivotal in establishing these services. This is about
saving lives, strengthening rural healthcare, and giving families peace
of mind.
I am proud to have secured this investment and will continue working
to ensure that rural Iowans receive the same quality care as any
American, no matter their ZIP Code.
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